“No Originality”: Users Call Out Local Attraction for Similarities to Golden Bridge

(SPOT.ph) The structure hasn't even been completed yet, but the internet seemed to have already made up its mind. A tourist attraction under construction in La Trinidad is being called out on social media for looking strikingly similar to the world-famous Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Located in the Longlong area of La Trinidad, the attraction is still clearly a work in progress. Photos and videos shared on social media show a narrow, elevated walkway, with sections that appear intended for glass flooring. What caught everyone’s attention, though, are the massive sculpted hands placed beneath the path, which are positioned in a way that closely mirrors the Golden Bridge.

Online criticism poured in soon after the images went viral.

“Pretty sure people can come up with something original. Why not make use of Benguet's own local folklore?”

“What’s funny is, ginaya na rin naman, they could’ve at least done a better version.”

Not all reactions were negative, though. Other users framed the attraction as a more accessible alternative for locals, especially for those who may never get the chance to see the Golden Bridge in person.

“Pasalamat nalang tayo dahil may ganito tayo na mapapasyalan lalo na mga di maka-travel makita lang sa ibang country.”

For reference, this is what the Golden Bridge looks like:

For now, details remain scarce for the La Trinidad bridge. There has been no official announcement naming the attraction, no confirmed opening date, and no information on entrance fees.

Also read: New Flight Alert: More Direct Flights to Da Nang and Hanoi Vietnam Are Coming Soon

As the comparisons piled up, the La Trinidad Tourism Office released a public clarification in response to what it called “numerous inquiries” about the site. For one, it is not yet registered as a tourist attraction, based on its current records.

The attraction is also “not owned, developed, or initiated by the local government unit of La Trinidad.” Instead, it is described as a private tourism initiative and business investment undertaken by local private individuals.

The La Trinidad Tourism Office stood by its position that adopting international concepts is not illegal, saying such influences are already widely used in local attractions.

"We have building regulations, and tourism guidelines, pero there is no law that expressly prohibits copying concepts from other countries. A private owner can be inspired by Victorian gardens, or man-made attractions abroad and can apply them on their personal property. A local restaurant can be inspired by Thai and Korean fish and apply them on their menu. Except pag heritage sites ang pinag-uusapan, a private owner has rights in developing their property as long as it is safe and that basic tourism regulations are complied with," it said in the comments section of the post.

On the other hand, the Golden Bridge was built as part of a larger tourism push in Vietnam’s Ba Na Hills resort, which sits high in the mountains outside Da Nang. The area was already known for its cable cars, cooler climate, and European-style structures, but developers wanted a new landmark that would be more visually striking. Opened in 2018, the bridge was designed to look lifted from the landscape by two stone hands. It quickly became one of the most recognizable attractions in Southeast Asia.

In case you didn’t know, this actually isn’t the first time the concept has shown up locally. Back in 2021, a smaller but similar bridge called the Giant Hand Footbridge was also constructed in Andanum, Bauko, Mountain Province. That one even had painted fingernails!

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